Influenza is circulating at moderate levels and expected to increase rapidly over the next few weeks. COVID-19 is also circulating at moderate levels and is expected to increase.
NSW Health recently sent out an Influenza Update reminding providers to continue to encourage flu vaccination to everyone, particularly those at most risk, including children 6 months to 5 years old, and those aged 65 years and older.
Offer influenza vaccination to your all patients as they are more likely to get vaccinated with a health provider recommendation.
Register for a free influenza vaccination QI activity
CESPHN can support your practice in undertaking an influenza vaccination Quality Improvement (QI) activity . This QI program uses GoShare to send a personalised SMS to eligible patients who have not had a flu vaccine in 2025 to encourage them to book an appointment.
The flu vaccine recall program is only available to 20 practices in CESPHN, so be sure to register your interest promptly!
Contact immunisation@cesphn.com.au for more information
The uptake rate of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is at its worst in almost a decade, according to the most recent data.
Coverage of at least one dose of HPV vaccine by the 15th birthday has continued to decrease since onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The greatest declines were seen between 2023 and 2024, with coverage dropping to 81.1% in girls and 77.9% in boys. To achieve its cervical cancer elimination target, Australia needs to improve coverage rates to at least 90% by 2030.
The vaccine is delivered in schools, and the drop in coverage can in part be attributed to lower attendance rates post-pandemic. However, GPs and pharmacists can provide free catch-up HPV vaccination for anyone aged under 26 years old who did not receive the vaccine through a school program.
Implement a HPV vaccination recall QI activity at your practice
CESPHN can support your practice in implementing a HPV vaccination recall for adolescents aged 15-25 using the AIR010A report. This will generate a list of patients at your practice who are overdue for HPV vaccination, allowing you to contact them to offer free catch-up HPV vaccinations funded through the NIP.
Contact immunisation@cesphn.com.au for support.
NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while visiting several locations in Sydney.
The case recently returned from Vietnam, where there is an ongoing large outbreak of measles.
People who attended the following locations should watch for the development of symptoms.
Sunday 22 June 12:00-13:00: Sir Reuben, 702 Darling St, Rozelle
Saturday 28 June 22:35-03:10: Concord Hospital Emergency Department
Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.
It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it is important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until 18 July.
FluTracking is an online health surveillance system used to detect the potential spread of respiratory illnesses like influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is a weekly online survey that takes less than 30 seconds to complete, and helps to provide real-time data on respiratory illness in your area to inform public health responses across Australia. The program is funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
If you are interested in contributing, find out more and register as a volunteer Flu Tracker here.
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) has released a new resource addressing frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding vaccination for people who are immunocompromised.
NCIRS has also released recordings from their latest webinar ‘Navigating vaccination for immunocompromised patients: new Handbook guidance’, which can be accessed here.
Source: NCIRS Weekly Jab newsletter 27 June 2025. Subscribe here: ncirs.org.au/user/register
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released a toolkit aimed at encouraging vaccination among older adults who are aged care residents.
Designed to support aged care providers, the toolkit includes vaccine recommendations as well as a comprehensive discussion guide for use in conversations with residents, their families and carers, about the benefits of vaccination
NCIRS also recently released a new resource highlighting the enormous benefits of COVID-19 booster vaccination for older people, based on new research showing older adults who have had a recent booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine have almost half the risk of dying from the acute respiratory infection compared with those who received their last booster over a year ago.
Source: NCIRS Weekly Jab newsletter 27 June 2025. Subscribe here: ncirs.org.au/user/register
| APPLY HERE 28-30 August 2025 Q Station Sydney, Australia Applications close 11:59pm AEST 29 June 2025 | NCIRS Australian Vaccinology Course The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) has launched the inaugural Australian Vaccinology Course – an in-person program intended for professionals seeking a deep, evidence-based understanding of vaccines, immunology and vaccination programs. Designed and delivered by Australian and international experts, this immersive program will equip you with the critical knowledge and skills to confidently navigate all aspects of the complex immunisation landscape. The event will be held at the Q Station in Manly, Sydney from 28-30 August 2025, with a one-day option available to attend the Essential immunisation provider update on Saturday 30 August 2025. |
| REGISTER HERE 2 July 2025 18:00-19:00 AEST Online | Immunisation Coalition Pneumococcal Webinar This webinar will review invasive pneumococcal disease in Australia, including illness and epidemiology, at-risk populations, and available vaccines and tools. Angela Newbound and Dr Andrew Baird will deliver the webinar. |
| REGISTER HERE 9 July 2025 18:00-19:00 AEST Online | Immunisation Coalition 2025 RSV Update Webinar This webinar will provide an overview of RSV epidemiology, disease burden and an update on the new NIP listed maternal RSV vaccine and monoclonal antibody State funded programs from an indication and usage perspective. Consideration is also given to the vaccine for older adults. |
Health Referral Forms
